Djokovic, Khachanov meet in today’s Paris Masters finals

Austria’s Dominic Thiem fails to return the ball to Russia’s Karen Khachanov during their men’s singles semi-final tennis match on day six of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 – Rolex Paris Masters – indoor tennis tournament at The AccorHotels Arena in Paris, on November 3, 2018. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP)

Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in three thrilling sets to reach the final of the Paris Masters. In their 47th meeting, the Serb took the match 7-6 (8-6) 5-7 7-6 (7-3) in three hours and two minutes.

Djokovic, who will return to world number one tomorrow, will face Karen Khachanov in today’s final after the Russian defeated Dominic Thiem.

In the ‘final before the final’ Djokovic was taken to deuce in the first game of the match and required a second advantage point to hold. However, Federer faced a break point before holding the second game. The next five games went easily with serve and Djokovic led 4-3.

In the eighth game, Federer reached 40-30 but was taken to deuce and a marathon three break points and four lost advantages before leveling at four games apiece.

The set progressed to a tie break in which Federer took Djokovic’s first point and led 4-2 at the changeover.

Earlier, Khachanov of Russia continued his winning ways by defeating Austria number four seed Dominic Thiem, 6/4; 6/1.

As he had done with his 6/1; 6/2 victory in the quarterfinal match against the second seeded Alexander Zverev, Khachanov had a one-way run over Dominic Thiem, 6/4; 6/2.